Phacoemulsification Cost in Bangalore, India

Phacoemulsification (phaco) is the standard modern cataract operation, using ultrasound through a small cut to break up and remove the cloudy lens, which is replaced with a clear artificial lens.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust explains that phaco uses small incisions and ultrasound probes, without lasers. It usually takes about 30 minutes under local anaesthetic, and you go home the same day.

The second eye is usually done a few weeks later, though same-day surgery is possible for some people.

Moorfields describes standard monofocal lenses for distance vision, EDOF lenses for distance and intermediate vision, trifocal lenses to reduce dependence on glasses and toric lenses for astigmatism. Premium lenses cost more.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust reports clouding behind the lens (PCO) in 5 to 30% within five years, and loss of sight in under 0.03%.

Flying home: the UK Civil Aviation Authority's guidance for doctors suggests about 1 week after intra-ocular surgery, and the eye surgeon checks the eye before you travel.

The cost of phacoemulsification in Bangalore typically ranges from $280 to $1,000 USD (about ₹26,600 to ₹94,900), depending on the hospital, room category and type of procedure.

What you pay depends mainly on your own case. If one eye is treated with a standard lens or technique, your bill is likely to be closer to $280 (about ₹26,600). It is likely to be nearer $1,000 (about ₹94,900) if a specialised lens or graft is used, both eyes are treated or advanced equipment is needed.

When comparing Bangalore packages for phacoemulsification, check whether each quote includes:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist fees
• Operating theatre or procedure room
• The lens, implant or graft
• Hospital stay and room category
• Medicines and consumables
• Follow-up visits before you fly home

Bangalore hospitals usually put together an estimate for phacoemulsification from these elements:

• Pre-operative eye tests: measurements and scans.
• Lens, implant or graft: standard or premium options.
• Lens type: monofocal, EDOF, trifocal or toric.
• One or both eyes: and timing.
• Surgeon and hospital: the setting.
• Follow-up: drops and glasses check.

Ask whether the Bangalore eye quote covers the lens or implant, surgeon, theatre, medicines and follow-up checks, as these are often listed separately.

Eye care in Bengaluru ranges from hospital ophthalmology departments to stand-alone eye hospitals with dedicated cataract, cornea, glaucoma and retina services.

Accreditation by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), part of the Quality Council of India, is India's main hospital quality standard, and the NABH website shows whether a Bangalore hospital's accreditation is current.

Some Bengaluru hospitals also hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, an international standard, and JCI's public directory lets you confirm a hospital's status before you book.

Private hospitals and clinics in Bengaluru must be registered under the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, 2007, which the state amended in 2017.